Staying in a hostel is a great way to meet like-minded people and a huge money-saver when travelling around New Zealand. If you haven’t stayed in a hostel before, there are a few things you should know about. In a hostel you are sharing a dorm room, kitchen and bathroom facilities with other backpackers, so there are some rules of etiquette to avoid any disputes.

1/ Be quiet in your dorm.

Partying is fun but some people are working in the morning, so try to be respectful.

2/ Clean up after yourself, especially your dishes in the kitchen.

3/ Use the tumble dryer.

Don't line your clothes up to dry all around the dorm.

4/ Don't steal anything from anyone.

Even if you only need some salt, just ask. Travellers are nice to each other. Don't take other people's food. If it's not yours, don't eat it!

5/ Make friends.

Introduce yourself around the dorm and the hostel. It is all about the human experience. Buy your hostel workers a drink once a week and have a beer with the group of people staying long-term in the hostel.